EXPLANATORY 

TO  A 

SECTIONAL 


REMARKS 
PLAN 


PROSPECT  PARK, 

AS  SUGGESTED  BY 


H  .    A.    G  R  A  E  F. 


Brooklyn  : 

ROME  BROTHERS,  STATIONERS  &  PRINTERS, 

383  FULTON  STREET. 
1865. 


Avery  Architectural  and  Fine  Arts  Library 
Gift  of  Seymour  B.  Durst  Old  York  Library 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  great  interest  which  I  have  always  taken  in  the  estab- 
lishment of  our  projected  Prospect  Park  has  induced  me  to  pre- 
pare a  sectional  plan  of  that  part  of  the  ground  selected,  which 
is  situated  between  Flatbush  and  9th  avenue's,  the  Coney  Island 
Plank  Road  and  9th  street,  including  the  property  of  Edwin  C. 
Litchfield,  Esq.,  anticipating  that  the  hon.  Board  of  Park  Com- 
missioners will  consider  an  addition  of  this  beautiful  property  a 
necessity.  The  plan,  whose  material  features  would  not  neces- 
sarily be  affected  if  even  in  other  directions  ground  should  be 
added,  is  drawn  according  to  a  scale  of  2  inches  to  100  feet. 

In  projecting  this  plan,  I  have  made  it  my  principal  task  to 
avail  myself  of  the  many  natural  advantages  of  the  ground. 
By  doing  so  I  intended  not  only  to  produce  the  grandest  pos- 
sible effect,  in  accordance  with  the  strictest  rules  of  economy, 
but  also  to  satisfy,  as  far  as  possible,  all  other  claims  that 
reasonably  might  be  made  to  such  an  establishment.  Whether 
I  have  been  successful  in  this  respect,  I  leave  to  the  judg- 
ment of  every  unbiased  mind. 

In  order  to  render  impossible  even  the  slightest  doubt  as  to 
the  practicability  of  my  plan,  I  have  personally  and  most  care- 
fully surveyed  the  ground  in  question.  After  having  marked 
out  the  boundaries  of  drives,  walks,  groupes,  prospects,  etc.,  by 
ground  posts,  I  have  transferred  to  paper  the  forms  and  features 
thus  originated,  adapting,  thereby,  each  speciality  of  my  plan  to 
the  natural  formation  of  the  ground. 

I  hardly  deem  it  necessary  to  remark  that  it  cannot  be  ex- 
pected to  see  all  suggestions  of  my  plan  carried  out  at  once.  I 
simply  wish  that  it  may  please  those  who  have  been  intrusted 
with  the  improvement  of  the  Park  to  provide  in  time  for  all 
important  departments  of  such  an  institution,  whatever  plan 
they  may  see  fit  to  adopt  for  its  establishment. 


As  at  present  it  is  intended  to  mention  in  general  only  the 
features  recommending  themselves  as  the  most  feasible  ones  to 
be  introduced  in  the  Prospect  Park,  and  to  simply  indicate  their 
location,  size  and  shape,  more  minute  descriptions  are  uncalled 
for.  They  will,  however,  if  desired,  also  be  furnished,  accompa- 
nied by  special  plans,  specifications,  estimates  of  cost,  etc.  etc. 

The  following  pages  contain  a  short  description  of  the  fea- 
tures represented  in  my  plan.  Those  more  especially  interested 
in  the  improvement  of  Prospect  Park  will  find  in  the  Appendix 
a  more  detailed  development  of  the  motives  according  to  which 
I  have  been  working. 

1.  Three  Entrances  from  Brooklyn  are  proposed  :  One  on  Flat- 
bush  avenue,  one  on  3d,  and  another  on  9th  street.  Two  of  them 
are  touched  by  the  City  Railroad  Cars ;  the  third,  nearly  midway 
between  the  two  others  is,  on  account  of  its  Belgian  pavement, 
particularly  fit  for  driving. 

2.  Three  Connections  with  the  easterly  part  of  the  Park  are 
proposed  in  my  plan.  One  Suspension  Bridge  across  Flatbush 
avenue,  opposite  Underbill  street,  two  Entrances  near  McCarty's 
Hotel,  and  a  Tunnel  under  Flatbush  avenue,  nearer  to  the  town 
of  Flatbush.  In  case,  however,  the  gentlemen  of  the  Park  Com- 
mission should  abandon  the  beautiful  easterly  part  of  the  Park, 
these  connections  would  be  unnecessary,  and  a  simple  bridge 
for  foot-passengers  would  lead  across  Flatbush  avenue  to  the 
Ridgewood  Reservoir. 

3.  For  Prospects  twelve  places  are  designated  in  my  plan. 
Nine  of  them  command  the  most  imposing  far  views  ;  the  three 
others  inside  views. 

The  different  23rospects  on  the  Park  grounds  are  undoubtedly 
some  of  their  most  beautiful  features.  We  are,  however,  con- 
stantly in  danger  of  losing  them  within  a  very  short  time,  unless 
the  gentlemen  of  the  Park  Commission  do  something  to  preserve 
them.  I  have  pointed  out  this  danger  already  in  an  article  in 
the  N.  Y.  Tribune  of  March  23,  and  feel  obliged  to  refer  to  it 
here  again. 

4.  Roads  and  Drives  are  proposed  in  my  plan  to  a  length  of 
about  six  miles.  All  of  them  are  laid  out  in  the  most  agree- 
able lines  of  beauty,  short  curves  and  all  considerable  uneven- 
ness  having  been  avoided.  They  are  wide  enough  to  admit  all 
different  kinds  of  vehicles  four  abreast,  and  can  all  be  used  as 


5 


bridlepaths.  To  avoid  dangerous  collisions  drives  and  walks 
are  from  the  very  entrances  separated  from  eacli  other. 

5.  Walks  are,  at  an  average,  eight  feet  in  width,  widening 
however  in  places  where  occasionally  a  conflux  of  visitors  may 
occur,  to  twenty  feet.  They  are  kept  as  far  as  possible  from  the 
roads;  where  botli  have  to  run  close  together  they  are  separated 
from  each  other  by  green  sward  or  low  shrubs.  Roads  and 
drives,  as  well  as  walks,  are  intended  to  be  built  of  the  most 
durable  material,  according  to  the  newest  modes  of  construc- 
tion, and  with  a  special  view  to  the  greatest  convenience,  safety 
and  enjoyment  of  visitors. 

o.  The  Lake.  With  regard  to  the  manifold  uses  of  this  estab- 
lishment for  sailing,  rowing  and  skating  purposes,  it  is  desirable 
to  have  the  lake  as  near  the  city  as  possible.  As  proposed  in 
my  plan  it  can  be  reached  within  17  minutes  from  the  City  Hall, 
thus  offering  the  best  opportunity  for  enjoyment  to  pleasure- 
seekers  after  business  hours.  In  addition  to  this  the  place  itself 
where  I  have  located  the  lake  is  the  most  proper  on  account  of 
the  quality  of  the  ground,  in  consequence  of  which  the  expense 
will  really  be  very  insignificant.  Covering  the  place  for  other 
purposes  with  top-soil  would  cause  a  much  greater  outlay  of 
money  than  the  formation  of  the  proposed  lake.  For  further 
particulars  about  the  lake  we  refer  the  reader  to  the  Appendix. 

7.  Three  Fountains  are  proposed  in  my  plan.  One  opposite 
the  entrance  on  Flatbush  avenue,  one  in  the  centre  of  the  flower 
garden,  and  another  in  the  rear  of  the  Pavilion.  They  are  fed 
by  the  Ridgewood  Reservoir,  and  throw  their  jets  from  Id  to  18 
feet  respectively. 

The  first-mentioned  should  have  for  its  basis  a  large  white 
figure  to  produce  effect  even  when  the  fountain  is  not  playing: 
the  second  is  needed  for  sprinkling  the  street  and  watering  the 
flowers;  and  the  third,  besides  being  an  ornament,  serves  for 
economical  purposes.  The  water  flowing  from  these  fountains 
will  run  into  the  lake. 

8  and  9.  Two  Waterfalls  and  Eight  Ponds  will  be  found  in 
my  plan.  Besides  being  ornaments  of  the  place  they  all  serve 
for  various  other  purposes,  and  form,  together  with  the  lake,  a 
water  surface  of  about  42  acres. 

10.  Of  the  Five  Bridges  proposed,  the  two  in  connection  with 
the  Zoological  Garden  can  be  constructed  at  little  expense. 


6 


11.  The  Flower  Garden  is  located  in  my  plan  near  Flatbush 
avenue,  opposite  McCarty's  Hotel,  for  reasons  shown  in  the 
Appendix.  Flower  beds  will  besides  be  distributed  in  proper 
places  all  over  the  Park. 

12.  For  Refreshment  Hall  see  Appendix. 

The  Park  Grounds  contain,  in  my  estimation,  so  many  natural 
beauties,  that  if  they  are  judiciously  managed  art  need  not  add 
anything.  Where  buildings  are  indispensably  necessary  they 
should  be  built  in  the  most  proper  way,  solid,  but  in  simple 
;;tyle,  avoiding  ail  unnecessary  expense. 

13.  Orchestral  Hall  I  propose  to  locate  near  9th  street  and  the 
Coney  Island  Plank  Road.  This  spot  seems  as  if  intended  for 
such  a  purpose.  Two  hills  are  here  right  opposite  each  other; 
the  lower  one  of  which,  facing  east,  presents  at  half  its  height, 
as  it  were,  a  natural  platform  on  which  the  orchestra  would  find 
an  excellent  place  ;  the  opposite  larger  one  affording,  on  its 
regular  gftnphitlieatralic  slope  and  surroundings,  sitting  room 
for  more  than  10,000  persons  to  listen  to  the  musical  perform- 
ance. The  most  magnificent  gigantic  forest  trees  with  which 
both  hills  are  covered  render  this  spot  still  more  eligible  for 
this  purpose.  When  adorned  with  beds  of  fine  blooming  shrubs, 
creepers,  and  ornamental  and  fragrant  plants  in  a -tasteful  man- 
ner, it  promises  to  become  one  of  the  most  attractive  features  of 
the  whole  Park.  It  has  been  proved  by  experiment  that  this 
place,  in  an  accoustic  point  of  view,  has  not  its  equal  on  the 
Park  grounds.  A  drive  is  proposed  to  lead  through  the  valley 
between  these  two  hills,  which,  however,  will  be  closed  during 
musical  performances.* 

II.  The  Island,  found  on  my  plan,  I  consider  not  only  a  great 
ornament  in  the  lake,  but  it  renders  possible  a  central  road  from 
Flatbush  avenue  to  the  westerly  part  of  the  Park,  which  other- 
wise could,  quite  improperly,  be  located  only  near  Flatbush  or 
9th  avenue. 

15.  Those  in  any  way  acquainted  with  the  rules  of  landscape 
gardening  will  find  the  form  of  Groupes,  as  well  as  the  clustering- 
of  Trees  and  Shrubs  tastefully  arranged.  I  have  been  guided  by 
the  principle  that  in  most  cases  such  plants  should  be  placed  in 

*  Orchestral  Hfill,  in  New  York  Central  Park,  affords  little  advantage  over  a 
crowded  theatre,  the  majority  of  the  audience  being  compelled  to  sit  so  close  together 
in  tiie  auditory  hall  that  t!ic  real  enjoyment  is  thereby  marred  in  a  great  degree. 


•  7 

groupes  only  which  bloom  simultaneously,  in  order  to  insure  a 
greater  effect.  In  establishments  of  the  magnitude  of  Prospect 
Park,  a  single  plant  in  bloom,  under  ordinary  circumstances, 
can  produce  but  very  little  effect. 

16.  My  plan  proposes  but  One  Monument  in  the  centre  of  the 
so-called  Battle  Pass,  and  in  commemoration  of  the  historical 
event  which  took  place  here  in  1778. 

17.  Zoological  Garden.  Anticipating  that  the  lion.  Board  of 
Park  Commissioners  will  be  in  favor  of  introducing  in  Prospect 
Park  zoological  collections,  my  plan  proposes,  as  most  fit  for  this 
purpose,  the*  oval  sandhill  opposite  8d  street  and  11th  avenue, 
indicated  in  my  plan  by  a  yellow-greenish  color.  This  little 
hill  is  surrounded  in  such  a  way  by  higher  hills  and  woods, 
that  it  affords  neither  far  nor  inside  views,  and  consists  of  such 
hue  drift  sand,  that  hardly  a  plant  would  grow  on  it.  Thus  af- 
fording the  landscape  gardener  little  chance  for  improvement, 
it  is  by  its  very  nature  and  position  especially  fit  for  the  keep- 
ing of  animals.  Protected  by  the  higher  hills  and  surrounding 
woods  against  storms  and  cold  winds,  they  are  less  exposed  to 
the  effect  of  the  sudden  changes  of  temperature,  and  in  the 
meantime,  owing  to  the  dry  sandy  ground,  the  animals  kept 
there  wiil  be  less  liable  to  pulmonary  and  hoof  diseases.  The 
centre  of  this  groupe  is  reserved  for  the  most  important  build- 
ing of  the  Zoological  Garden,  which  may  be  used  as  a  residence 
for  the  dangerous  carnivorous  animals.  The  other  lots,  the 
si;:es  of  which  vary  from  SO  to  100  feet,  will  be  occupied  by 
such  inoffensive  animals  as  are  individually  too  insignificant  to 
draw  the  public  to  a  more  remote  spot,  but  which  cannot  fail 
to  be  of  great  interest  when  seen  together  in  a  colony.  Among 
these  animals  will  be,  for  instance,  the  different  kinds  of  rabbits, 
hares,  porcupines,  hedgehogs,  racoons,  etc. 

In  close  proximity  to  this  colony,  places  have  been  fenced  in 
for  such  inoffensive  animals  as  need  more  space,  and  the  fields 
marked  with  red  in  my  plan,  south  of  the  colony,  are  intended 
for  such  as  require  either  solid  apartments — as  wolves,  bears, 
etc.,  or  places  secured  with  wire  or  hitting — as  wild-cats,  squir- 
rels, eagles,  owls,  etc. 

Besides  these  there  are  oilier  arrangements  in  proper  places 
in  the  Park  for  larger  and  more  interesting  animals,  for  which 
the  reader  is  again  referred  to  the  Appendix. 


a 

Wherever  animals  are  kept  in  the  Park  provision  should  al- 
ways be  made  to  secure  for  them  such  an  existence  as  their 
comfort  and  special  habits  claim,  and  thus  render  their  state  of 
imprisonment  tolerable.  Shelter-houses,  water-basins,  shade 
trees  and  shrubs,  grass,  salt,  sand,  etc.,  should  therefore  be  pro- 
vided to  satisfy  all  their  peculiarities.  Care  will,  however,  also 
be  taken  that  they  never  can  escape  the  observation  of  the 
visiting  public. 

As  regards  the  Zoological  collections,  it  would  suffice  in  the 
beginning  to  procure  divers  solid  contrivances,  in  which  ani- 
mals of  different  size  and  habits  can  be  kept  for  some  time, 
until  a  proper  place  for  their  abode  can  be  allotted  them. 

I  remark  here  once  more  that  in  my  opinion  all  apartments 
for  the  animals  should  be  constructed  in  the  cheapest  possible 
way.  From  the  many  stones  scattered  all  over  the  Park  grounds, 
roots  of  trees,  etc.,  covered  with  ground,  creeping  plants,  mosses 
and  ferns,  many  a  rustic  abode  for  them  can  be  produced  at 
almost  a  nominal  expense.  The  only  exceptions  from  this  rule 
will  be  the  centre  of  the  Zoological  colony,  the  winter-house 
for  tropic  animals,  and  the  aviary,  where  foreign  birds  will  be 
kept  in  cages. 

Besides  the  features  already  mentioned,  there  are  many  others 
of  more  or  less  importance  in  the  other  part  of  the  Park  ground, 
which  may  be  used  to  great  advantage  by  a  skillful  landscape 
gardener,  such  as,  a  botanical  and  experimental  garden,  a  Swiss 
landscape  in  miniature,  with  cottage,  alpine  animals,  Russian 
gliding  paths,  hermitage,  etc.,  for  more  of  which  see  Appendix. 


APPENDIX. 


Besides  the  ornamental,  I  have  endeavored  to  combine  in  our 
Park,  as  much  as  possible,  all  those  enjoyments  of  country  life 
which  draw  so  many  of  our  fellow-citizens  from  the  city  during 
the  summer.  If  I  should  thereby  succeed  in  retaining  in  the 
city  only  one-half  of  the  summer  emigrants,  more  money  would 
be  saved  to  Brooklyn  annually  than  the  expense  for  keeping  the 
Park  in  order  would  amount  to. 

In  the  meantime  I  have  devoted  much  careful  study  as  to  how 
the  Park  could  be  rendered  useful  to  those  of  our  young  fellow- 
citizens  desirous  of  becoming  initiated  into  the  various  interest- 
ing, and  in  some  respects  indispensable,  branches  of  natural 
science,  without  causing  considerable  expense,  or  detracting  in 
any  way  from  the  beautiful  appearance  of  the  Park,  by  the  in- 
troduction of  the  necessary  means  for  this  purpose.  That  this 
should  be  a  leading  idea  in  laying  out  a  park  In  Brooklyn, 
which,  owing  to  her  natural  position  and  other  favorable  circum- 
stances, will  soon  outshine  the  great  mercantile  metropolis  of 
this  continent  in  matters  of  art  and  science,  will  be  generally 
acknowledged.  We  deem  the  time  not  very  distant  when  to 
Brooklyn's  educational  institutions  a  University  will  be  added. 
Would  it  not  be  wise  to  provide  in  time  those  requisites  so  in- 
dispensably necessary  for  such  an  establishment  ? 

Anticipating  that  the  Park  will  be  surrounded  by  either  a  lo  w  . 
living  hedge  or  picket  fence,  I  have  arranged  the  groupes  of 
trees  and  shrubs  in  such  a  manner  as  to  produce  an  imposing 
effect  if  seen  from  the  neighboring  streets.  Wherever  an  op- 
portunity offered  I  have  projected  opposite  the  streets  and 
avenues  leading  to  the  Park  such  objects  of  prominence  as  will 
most  effectively  attract  the  interest  of  visitors  while  approach- 
ing the  Park  grounds. 

My  plan  endeavors  to  conduct  the  visiting  public  in  about 
equal  proportions  to  the  various  parts  and  attractions  of  the 
Park.  For  this  purpose,  all  advantages  which  the  character  of 
the  Park  grounds  present  to  the  landscape  gardener  have  been 


10 

studied  and  faithfully  employed,  and  rendered  accessible  by 
convenient  roads  or  walks ;  and  where  attractions  in  nature  are 
wanting,  I  have  endeavored  to  replace  them  by  artificial  ones. 
In  proper  places  benches,  settees,  arbors,  belvideres,  etc.,  afford 
to  families  and  private  parties  ample  opportunity  to  enjoy  them- 
selves in  retired  groupes,  undisturbed  by  others.  A  large  num- 
ber of  shelter-houses  are  distributed  all  over  the  Park  to  afford 
protection  during  sudden  storms.*  Features  of  lesser  import- 
ance, as  places  for  drinking-water,  retires,  etc.,  have  not  been 
introduced  at  present  in  my  plan,  but  will  be  provided  for.  Nor 
does  any  difficulty  exist  in  introducing,  at  a  small  expense, 
many  other  little  improvements,  such  as  arbors,  rockeries,  arti- 
ficial rocks,  swings,  etc.,  when  the  Park  is  being  laid  out. 

In  proximity  to  the  three  main  entrances,  where  visitors  will 
concentrate  and  meet  most  largely,  I  have  proposed  compara- 
tively smaller  groupes  than  elsewhere,  to  afford  sufficient  room 
for  the  necessary  turnouts;  towards  the  centre  of  the  Park,  how- 
ever, the  groupes  will  be  larger  and  the  roads  fewer,  but  the 
latter  may  be  multiplied  without  difficulty  if  desired.  A  Parade 
Ground  has  not  been  provided  for  in  my  plan,  as  I  confidently 
hope  the  Park  Commissioners  will  have  found  sufficient  reasons 
for  excluding  such  an  institution  from  a  public  park. 

The  Lake.  There  is  no  reason  to  doubt  that  the  Park  Com- 
missioners have  already  decided  to  have  a  lake  in  the  Park,  and 
the  only  question  to  be  solved  is  to  designate  the  most  proper 
place  for  it, 

A  lake  in  a  park,  if  rightly  located  and  well  laid  out,  may 
serve  to  accomplish  a  six-fold  aim.  (1)  as  a  great  ornament; 
(2)  for  boating ;  (3)  for  skating  purposes ;  (-1)  as  a  reservoir  of 
water  for  swimming  and  wading  birds  ;  (o>  for  fish  and  amphi- 
bious animals  ;  and  (6)  for  water  and  swamp  plants. 

As  may  be  seen  in  my  plan,  I  propose  to  form  the  lake  close 
by  Flatbush  avenue,  nearly  opposite  the  Reservoir.    It  is  my 

*  In  the  New  York  Central  Park  sufficient  attention  has  not  been  paid  to  these 
necessary  arrangements,  and  the  riding  public  seems  to  have  been  favored,  much  to 
the  disadvantage  of  pedestrians.  Among  others,  the  arrangements  in  the  so-called 
Ramble  are  defective  in  such  a  degree,  that  already,  a  few  years  only  after  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  Central  Park,  pedestrians  can  hardly  pass  persons  seated  on  benches 
without,  molesting  them.  Furthermore,  the  free  current  of  air  is  interrupted  to  such 
an  extent  by  the  m  my  short  curves  and  windings  of  the  paths  in  all  directions,  that 
during  the  heated  term  the  oppressive  air.  even  in  the  shade,  is  almost  insupportable. 


11 


intention  to  connect,  in  the  proposed  shape,  by  two  canals,  tho 
three  ponds  now  existing  there,  with  the  spacious  plot  of  flat 
barren  ground  opposite  1st  street,  which  is  exactly  on  the  sam  1 
level  with  the  three  ponds,  and  like  them  frequently  inunda- 
ted. My  reasons  for  selecting  this  terrain  for  the  lake  are  the 
following  : 

1.  The  existence  there,  as  already  mentioned,  of  five  ponds 
which  are  constantly  filled  with  a  sufficient  quantity  of  water, 
and  only  need  to  be  combined  and  brought  into  a  suitable  shape 

2.  The  subsoil  in  this  place,  consisting  of  sandy  gravelly  clay, 
is  so  compact  that  it  will  drain  no  water,  for  which  reason  it  is 
admirably  adapted  to  serve  as  the  bottom  of  a  lake,  whereas  it 
is  entirely  unfit  for  the  growth  of  plants. 

3.  If  this  spot  should  not  be  transformed  into  a  lake,  it  would 
have  to  be  filled  up  and  covered  with  a  vast  quantity  of  topsoil, 
causing  considerably  more  labor  and  expense  than  the  formation 
of  a  lake,  according  to  my  proposal,  ever  would. 

4.  In  the  proposed  place  the  lake  would  offer  a  pleasant  view 
from  many  important  spots  in  the  Park,  which  would  render  it 
in  the  meantime  one  of  its  greatest  ornaments. 

5.  In  consequence  of  the  cutting  through  of  the  two  canals  a 
small  island  necessarily  will  form  in  the  lake,  which  cannot  fail 
to  become  also  a  very  interesting  feature  of  the  Park.  The 
canals  will  be  spanned  by  two  rustic  bridges,  rising  high  enough 
above  the  level  of  the  water  not  to  obstruct  the  boating  and 
skating.  The  expense  for  cutting  through  these  canals  is  but 
imaginary,  for  a  considerable  quantity  of  excellent  topsoil,  clay 
and  compact  ground  are  gained  thereby,  to  be  employed  to  ad- 
vantage in  the  near  vicinity  of  the  lake  for  divers  purposes, 
which,  if  not  procured  in  this  way,  would  have  to  be  acquired 
by  some  other  means  and  at  considerable  expense,  from  a  re- 
moter place. 

Owing  to  the  hilly  formation  of  the  Park  ground  between  9th 
and  10th  avenues,  it  would  be  very  difficult  to  lead  a  central 
drive  from  the  entrance  on  Flatbush  avenue  to  the  westerly 
part  of  the  Park,  if  it  were  not  done  in  the  manner  here  pro- 
posed. The  lake,  as  suggested,  covers  an  area  of  about  33  acres, 
and  offers  : 

6.  The  great  advantage,  that  under  ordinary  circumstances  it 
will  fill  itself  with  water    I  consider  a  water  column  of  36  inches 


12 


depth  in  the  lake  perfectly  sufficient  for  all  the  purposes  herein 
mentioned.  Meteorological  observations,  carefully  made  through 
many  years,  show  (see  Blodgett's  Meteorological  Charts)  that 
the  quantity  of  water  which  falls  in  the  proximity  of  Prospect 
Park  averages  more  than  13  inches  per  annum.  Besides  the  33 
acres  waterlevel  of  the  lake  proper,  there  are  about  50  more 
acres  of  the  adjacent  grounds  so  slanting  that  all  rain  and  snow 
water,  not  absorbed  naturally  by  the  soil,  must  needs  flow  into 
the  lake.  In  addition  thereto,  the  rainwater  falling  upon  other 
30  adjacent  acres  can,  by  a  little  expense  for  drainage,  also  be 
conducted  thither.  If  all  these  resources  should  be  found 
inadequate  to  feed  the  lake,  the  rainwater  falling  upon  9th 
avenue,  from  7th  to  Montgomery  street,  may,  owing  to  its  strong 
inclination,  be  led  into  the  lake  from  more  than  90,000  square 
feet;  and  in  a  similar  way  from  other  40,000  square  feet  from 
Flatbush  avenue,  after  having  passed  a  pond  for  the  purpose  of 
removing  its  coarsest  impurities. 

However,  as  human  calculations  in  regard  to  the  performance 
of  nature  cannot  always  be  relied  upon,  and  in  order  to  provide 
against  such  obstacles  to  the  self-replenishing  of  the  proposed 
lake  as  might  occur  in  consequence  of  protracted  drought,  such 
as  was  experienced  last  season,  it  will  be  advisable  to  establish 
a  communication  between  the  lake  and  the  Ridgewood  Reser- 
voir. This  will  be  unavoidably  necessary,  with  a  view  to  regu- 
late the  water  in  the  lake  at  any  moment  in  winter,  t<»  create  an 
ice  surface  tit  for  skating  purposes.  This  connection  with  the 
lieseivoir,  however,  is  not  expensive,  owing  to  its  close  prox- 
imity. With  reference  to  the  practical  use  of  the  lake  as  to 
sailing  and  skating  purposes,  I  have  proposed  rounded  forms  in 
preference  to  others.* 

At  the  easterly  termination  of  the  lake  a  small  harbor  will 
be  formed,  shaded  by  a  Chinese  temple,  in  which  harbor  a  suf- 
ficient number  of  boats  will  be  in  readiness  for  visitors.  The 
water  of  the  lake  will  occasionally  be  led  by  means  of  a  sluice 
into  the  five  smaller  ponds,  and  collected  finally  in  one  capaci- 
ous cistern  near  the  Zoological  Garden,  from  which,  by  means 

*This  principle  has  not  been  adhered  to  in  forming  tiie  Skating  Pond  in  the  New 
York  Central  Park.  The  many  obstacles  canned  by  protruding  rocks  and  stones  af- 
ford it  is  true,  quite  a  picturesque  view  ;  they  are,  however,  in  usiug  the  iake  not 
only  UindiancoB.  but  may  under  certain  circumstances  even  become  dangerous. 


13 


of  a  small  windmill,  it  is  pumped  into  another  cistern  located 
on  the  top  of  one  of  the  neighboring  hills,  from  whence  it  flows 
by  itself  in  the  shape  of  a  cascade  into  the  drinking  and  bathing 
vessels  of  the  animals,  according  to  their  wants. 

For  Skafhii>\  the  take  as  proposed  offers  great  advantages  by 
its  Bh  ft  distance  from,  and  its  convenient  access  by,  the  Flat- 
bush  railroad  cars.  During  the  skating  season  a  particular  en- 
trance on  Flatbush  avenue,  near  the  spot  where  a  considerable 
ground  excavation  exists  already,  will  lead  to  the  skating  house. 
This  will  be  provided  with  all  comforts  for  visitors,  and  will  be 
only  50  paces  distant  from  Flatbush  avenue.  Thi^  arrangement 
will  not  only  save  time  and  trouble  to  the  public,  but  also  re- 
duce expenses  for  snow-shoveling,  and  will  remove  all  danger  as 
to  the  injury  of  improvements  in  the  Park  by  young  people. 

At  the  south-westerly  side  of  the  little  island  shown  on  my 
plan,  backed  by  a  steep  bank  of  some  15  feet  high,  a  simple  and 
cheap  building  is  proposed,  the  ground  floor  of  which  will  be 
furnished  with  all  requisites  for  wintering  the  more  delicate 
water  birds.  This  place  is  so  protected  that  probably  very  little 
artificial  heat  will  be  required  for  this  purpose.  The  upper 
floor  will  afford  room  for  three  apartments,  indicated  by  red 
fields,  for  aquaria,  etc.  Over  the  middle  apartment  a  water 
reservoir  will  be  erected,  serving  in  the  meantime  as  cupola, 
into  which  the  water,  alter  having  passed  through  a  filter,  is 
also  pumped  by  means  of  a  small  windmill,  to  be  distributed 
from  thence  into  the  various  aquaria  underneath. 

The  two  spaces  between  the  three  apartments,  indicated  by 
yellow  fields,  will  be  covered  with  awnings,  and  thus  afford 
opportunity  for  the  enjoyment  of  a  beautiful  far  view,  together 
with  the  advantage  of  a  refreshing  breeze,  the  interesting  spec- 
tacle of  numerous  boats,  gondolas  and  swimming  birds  gliding 
along  on  the  smooth  and  spacious  surface  of  the  silvery  waters 
below.  The  effect  of  an  expanse  of  water  is  particularly  condi- 
tioned by  its  clearness  and  transparency.  To  render  these  per- 
fect the  bottom  of  the  lake,  after  having  proved  not  to  drain 
water  any  longer,  will  be  covered  with  a  thin  layer  of  white 
gravel.  ^  fi£vtt 

Many  of  my  friends  perhaps  will  recollect  that  in  1357  I  en- 
deavored to  establish  in  the  centre  of  Brooklyn  a  large  Green- 
house, in  which  it  was  iutended  to  keep  a  rich  collection  of 


plants,  interspersed  with  interesting  singing  birds,  small  play- 
ful quadruped,  aquaria,  etc.  As  it  was  intended  to  arrange  this 
establishment  with  a  view  to  instructiun  as  well  as  amusement,  it 
was  proposed  to  combine  with  it  a  library  and  reading  room? 
where  books  and  papers  would  be  kept,  treating  on  the  various 
natural  sciences,  horticulture,  floriculture,  etc.  This  enterprise, 
though  cordially  recommended  and  highly  appreciated  by  many 
of  our  most  influential  citizens,  was  hot  carried  out  owing  to 
the  monetary  crisis  then  prevailing. 

Convinced  that  in  course  of  time  the  want  of  a  Zoological 
Garden  would  be  felt  among  us,  I  have  continued  since  to  de- 
vote my  attention  to  this  interesting  matter,  and  have  kept  up 
a  correspondence  with  leading  men  of  several  of  the  most  cele- 
brated zoological  gardens  of  the  old  country,  in  consequence  of 
which  I  am  in  possession  of  an  important  experience  and  know- 
ledge in  regard  to  this  section  of  Natural  History ;  all  of  which 
I  am  ready  at  any  time  to  contribute  to  the  pleasure  and  in- 
struction of  my  fellow-citizens.  That  I  have  not  been  mistaken 
in  my  expectations  in  this  respect  is  clearly  shown  by  the  un- 
common interest  manifested,  near  and  far,  in  zoological  estab- 
lishments of  all  dimensions.  Hardly  a  city  of  any  importance 
is  found  in  Europe  which  has  not  already  some  kind  of  a  zoolo- 
gical garden,  or  is  at  least  planning  one.  These  institutions 
form  almost  everywhere  the  great  point  of  attraction  of  the  sur- 
rounding country,  and  afford  pleasant  and  instructive  entertain- 
ment for  young  and  old.  In  all  places  experience  has  taught 
that  as  soon  as  the  public  had  a  chance  to  become  convinced  of 
the  utility  of  such  establishments,  and  the  pleasure  to  be  de- 
rived from  them,  not  only  the  largest  number  of  the  animals, 
but  also  in  many  instances  the  money  for  the  erection  of  the 
necessary  buildings,  was  raised  by  voluntary  contributions  from 
among  the  people.  The  latest  reports  on  the  New  York  Central 
Park  state  that  the  Zoological  Department  there,  imperfect 
though  it  be,  already  forms  the  most  interesting  point  of  attrac- 
tion in  the  Park. 

Much  as  I  should  wish  to  be  able  to  refer  the  reader  in  proof 
of  my  assertions  to  an  establishment  in  our  vicinity,  circumstances 
oblige  me  to  go  as  far  as  the  free  city  of  Hamburg,  where  a  Zoolo- 
gical Garden  was  established  about  five  years  ago.  Already  dur- 
ing this  short  period  admirable  results  have  been  accomplished 


there.  The  general  interest  manifested  by  the  public  in  that 
undertaking  cannot  be  better  illustrated  than  by  the  statement 
that  during  the  first  five  months  this  establishment  was  visited 
by  212,000  persons  who  paid  an  admission  fee.  During  one  fine 
Sunday  in  July  88,28ft  tickets  were  disposed  of,  not  including 
the  mmty  free  and  season  tickets.  The  foundation  funds  for 
this  Garden  amounted  originally  to  250,000  marks  banco  (about 
$89*000),  and  were  contributed  by  a  few  wealthy  citizens  of  the 
little  Republic.  This  sum  was  hardly  sufficient  to  prepare  the 
ground  for  the  reception  of  a  few  animals  ;  but  as  soon  as  these 
had  come,  and  the  public  could  form  an  idea  of  the  enjoyment 
in  store  for  them,  an  additional  100,000  marks  banco  were  pro- 
cured in  one  hour,  and  since  the  Garden  has  been  thrown  open 
to  the  public,  contributions  in  money  and  animals  are  constantly 
being  made.  The  establishment  counts  already  more  than 
1,600  animals  in  350  kinds,  among  which  15  kinds  of  stags  from 
different  countries  are  found.  Of  many  kinds  the  stock  is  al- 
ready so  abundant  that  there  is  no  proper  room  to  keep  more 
duplicates,  and  these  are  offered  for  exchange  on  liberal  terms. 
The  wading  birds,  such  as  storks,  cranes,  herons,  gulls,  geese, 
ducks,  etc.,  they  have  in  very  large  numbers.  These  often  start 
in  docks  on  an  excursion  into  the  neighborhood,  and  regularly 
return  to  the  Garden,  not  seldom  accompanied  by  strangers  not 
before  doinestieated  there. 

In  establishing  the  aquaria  saloons,  it  is  proposed  to  take  as 
models  those  famous  ones  of  the  free  city  of  Hamburg,  which 
are  justly  considered  the  best  existing  in  this  department  of 
zoologieal  establishments.  For  several  years  past  the  sea-water 
in  them  has  been  used  unchanged,  and  with  the  most  satisfac- 
tory success  as  regards  vegetation  and  the  prosperity  of  animal 
life.  In  the  aquaria  establishment,  in  connection  with  some  of 
the  ponds,  provision  should  be  made  for  artificially  raising  fish. 
In  France  and  Germany  astonishing  results  have  been  accom- 
plished in  this  branch  of  industry.  Varieties  of  fish  which  had 
become  scarce  have  been  propogated  in  enormous  quantities, 
and  even  exotie  fish  have  been  acclimated  to  the  waters  of 
those  countries. 

In  my  opinion,  perhaps  no  cities  in  the  world  have  greater 
advantages  for  the  establishment  of  a  Zoological  Garden  than 
the  sister  cities  of  New  York  and  Brooklyn.    Our  frequent  and 


16 


speedy  connection  with  all  ports  of  the  world  render  the  ex- 
change of  exotic  animals  easy  to  us,  and  the  abundance  of  ani- 
mals in  our  own  forests  enables  us  to  enter  into  relations  with 
other  zoological  gardens  for  exchanging  purposes.  In  this  way 
we  can  readily  acquire  a  considerable  collection  of  suitable  ani- 
mals. Provided  that  in  the  beginning  such  kinds  only  are 
chosen  as  will  stand  our  climate  without  protection,  and  the 
keeping  of  which  does  not  cause  great  expense,  the  establish- 
ment of  a  zoological  garden  will  prove  to  be  much  less  expen- 
sive than  perphaps  is  anticipated.  If  at  first  only  a  few  groupes 
of  animals  are  arranged  in  an  attractive  manner,  so  that  the 
public  may  see  the  effect  of  such  an  'arrangement,  it  will  be 
here  as  in  other  places — donations  will  come  in  daily,  and  en- 
couragement of  all  kinds  will  not  be  wanting. 

What  our  city  is  able  to  accomplish  we  have  seen  in  our  re- 
cent Sanitary  Fair.  And  why  could  not  similar  means  be  re- 
sorted to  and  with  satisfactory  results,  if  it  is  for  the  assistance 
of  an  establishment  intended  to  afford  so  many  truly  beneficial 
enjoyments  as  a  zoological  garden  undoubtedly  will. 

A  few  months  since  I  circulated  among  my  friends  a  sub- 
scription list  to  the  following  effect :  "  We,  the  undersigned, 
hereby  express  our  desire  that  the  Commissioners  of  the  future 
Brooklyn  Park  would  connect  therewith  a  Zoological  Depart- 
ment for  purposes  of  science  and  recreative  amusement.  We 
also  signify  our  willingness  to  render  assistance  in  sustaining, 
to  the  best  of  our  ability,  this  instructive  and  important  branch 
of  Natural  History.'1  Two  of  the  fifty  lists,  coining  to  hand  yes- 
terday, contained  18  and  25  subscribers  respectively.  If  each 
list  of  those  fifty  brings  10  subscribers  only,  each  of  which 
obliges  himself  to  present  some  specimen  animal  to  the  Park, 
we  shall  have  500  animals  as  soon  as  their  reception  can  be 
made  convenient. 

Anticipating  that  the  Park  Commissioners  will  decide  to  erect 
a  Pavilion  or  Refreshment  Hall  in  the  Park,  the  most  convenient 
place  for  this  establishment  would  be  where  the  house  of  Rol- 
lin  Sandford  has  just  been  torn  down.  This  is  the  most  eleva- 
ted spot  on  the  westerly  part  of  the  Park,  affording  by  far  the 
most  splendid  panorama  upon  the  bay,  its  back-ground,  and  also 
the  high  sea.  A  Pavilion,  two  stories  high,  with  verandahs, 
would  enhance  the  enjoyment  of  these  far  views. 


17 


The  spot  just  alluded  to  is  a  square  of  about  80  feet,  dug  out 
to  a  depth  of  some  15  feet.  If  this  should  be  filled  in  again,  it 
would  perhaps  cause  an  outlay  equal  to  half  the  expense  of 
building  such  a  pavilion.  According  to  my  plan,  the  drive  passes 
by  the  east  side  of  the  proposed  pavilion's  ground  floor ;  to  the 
west,  however,  where  the  ground  is  15  feet  lower,  it  is  on  the 
same  level  with  the  basement.  In  front  of  the  latter  a  fountain 
is  proposed.  From  here  four  rows  of  linden  trees,  forming  ex- 
cellent shady  walks,  and  affording  beautiful  perspective  views, 
extend  down  to  the  port  or  harbor  of  the  lake  alluded  to  in  the 
above.  In  a  north-easterly  direction,  some  50  paces  from  the 
pavilion,  a  shed  is  to  be  erected  in  a  protected  place,  where 
horses  and  carriages  of  visitors  may  be  kept  in  waiting  without 
annoying  the  public  by  offensive  odor  or  flies  attracted  by  the 
animals. 

The  Flower  Garden  is  proposed  to  be  laid  out  on  the  flat  bar- 
ren piece  of  ground  immediately  to  the  right  of  Flatbush  ave., 
opposite  McCarty's  Hotel.  Provided  that  the  proposed  easterly 
part  of  the  Park  be  retained,  this  spot  is  about  central,  protected 
by  hills  against  cold  N.,  N.  W.,  and  W.  winds,  and  can  be  per- 
fectly overlooked  not  only  from  the  street,  but  from  the  Reser- 
voir building  and  its  surroundings,  as  also  from  the  proposed 
pavilion  and  all  of  the  westerly  hills.  All  topsoil  has  been  re- 
moved from  this  spot,  and  if  it  is  intended  to  cultivate  anything 
on  it,  a  layer  of  several  feet  of  topsoil  will  be  needed.  In  using 
this  place  for  a  flower-garden,  owing  to  the  many  foot-paths, 
about  one-quarter  only  of  soil  will  be  required  of  what  would  be 
needed,  if  large  trees  with  deep  roots  were  expected  to  grow  in 
it.  By  planting  high  trees,  the  beautiful  view  would  be  de- 
stroyed upon  the  many  little  hills  situated  in  a  S.  S.  W.  direc- 
tion, which,  properly  decorated,  would  give  such  a  splendid 
background. 

The  woodland  between  1st  and  3d  streets  and  9th  and  10th 
avenues,  is  particularly  fit,  on  account  of  the  properties  of  its 
soil,  for  the  cultivation  there  of  magnolias,  rhododendrons, 
azaleas,  etc.  And  in  order  to  cultivate  also  the  more  tender 
kinds  of  these  beautiful  families  of  flowers,  it  is  proposed  to 
plant  the  seam  of  the  woods  with  hardy  evergreens,  to  keep  out 
the  cold  blasts  of  the  north,  north-west  and  west.  3d  street, 
from  9th  to  10th  avenue,  remains  a  straight-lined  road  because 


IS 


of  its  existence  already  in  this  form,  and  because,  without  a  con- 
siderable revolution,  an  alteration  cannot  well  be  made.  It 
seems  advisable  to  plant  there  four  rows  of  fine  low-sized  trees, 
for  instance  Kohl  renter  ia  paniculata,  to  render  more  conspicuous 
the  perspective  of  the  main  building  in  the  zoological  estab- 
lishment. 

Botanical  Garden.  The  importance  and  usefulness  of  a  bo- 
tanical garden  being  acknowledged  by  every  person  of  educa- 
tion, it  seems  superfluous  to  enlarge  upon  the  necessity  of  its 
establishment,  especially  as  we  have  reason  to  believe  that  the 
Park  Commissioners  have  already  decided  in  its  favor.  It  will 
suffice  to  remark,  that  with  a  very  limited  outlay  of  money,  and 
without  detracting  from  the  beauties  of  the  Park,  much  can  be 
done  for  those  desirous  of  studying  botany,  if,  in  order  to  make 
a  beginning,  a  proper  selection  of  native  plants  are  systemati- 
cally arranged  together  in  a  suitable  place  in  the  Park.  Another 
selection  of  poisonous  plants,  cultivated  in  a  secluded  spot,  as 
also  a  collection  of  trading  and  officinal  plants,  and  such  as  are 
frequently  mistaken  for  the  latter,  would  be  all  that  is  requisite 
to  enable  the  student,  with  the  aid  of  some  volumes  on  botany, 
to  become  familiar  with  all  branches  of  this  beautiful  science. 
It  is  but  natural  that  all  privileges  afforded  by  such  a  garden 
should  be  granted  to  those  educational  institutions  of  our  city 
desirous  of  availing  themselves  of  the  same. 

Experimental  Garden.  In  the  experimental  garden  the  best 
modes  of  trimming  grapevines,  pruning,  engrafting  and  oculat- 
ing  fruit-trees,  ornamental  shrubs,  roses,  etc.,  as  also  hibridizing 
and  other  interesting  occupations  connected  with  horticulture, 
will  be  introduced  for  the  information  of  all  desirous  of  avail- 
ing themselves  of  the  opportunity.  The  usefulness  of  newly 
introduced  seeds,  roots,  manures,  implements,  etc.,  will  be  tested 
and  the  results  published  for  public  benefit. 

Other  questions  of  the  day,  such  as  raising  silkworms,  etc., 
might  perhaps  at  some  future  time  be  introduced  with  advan- 
tage in  this  department  of  the  Park. 

If  judiciously  laid  out  and  faithfully  carried  through,  these 
establishments  must  needs  prove  of  great  benefit  to  the  com- 
munity at  large.  Not  on  the  amount  of  capital  invested  in  them, 
but  on  the  good  will  and  efficiency  of  the  individual  to  whose 


19 

care  these  three  last  mentioned  institutions  will  be  intrusted, 
their  success  mainly  will  depend. 

,  Much  more  might  be  said  in  regard  to  every  point  mentioned 
in  the  above,  but  the  few  suggestions  thrown  out  here  will 
suffice  to  draw  the  attention  of  those  interested  in  the  improve- 
ment of  Prospect  Park,  to  this  important  work.  Any  further 
information  will  be  cordially  given,  on  application  to 

H.  A.  G. 


ERRATA. 


Owing  to  an  "  error  in  calculo*',  discovered  too  late  for  correction, 
the  figures  in  pages  5,  11  and  12,  relating  to  ground  measure  in  acres, 
are  to  be  reduced  to  two-thirds  of  their  amount. 


